CBD's Critical Moment: Coalition Pushes For FDA Oversight

Nearly five years after the descheduling of hemp by Congress in 2018, the industry remains mired in uncertainty. A recent briefing hosted by the ONE HEMP coalition in Washington, DC, brought together leading voices advocating for a regulatory framework for hemp-derived CBD products.

The coalition emphasized that without FDA regulation, the CBD products market remains unstable and untrustworthy for consumers and producers alike.

ONE HEMP Coalition’s Diverse Voices

Panelists from diverse organizations, including the Coalition for Access Now, U.S. Pain Foundation and Balanced Veterans Network highlighted CBD’s wide-ranging benefits. The discussion focused on the essential role of CBD in many Americans’ lives and the pressing need for FDA oversight.

Kelly Fair from Dentons, speaking after meetings with Congress, talked about the challenges due to the lack of federal regulation. She emphasized the fractured supply chain, affecting everyone from farmers to consumers and the need for a science-led, regulatory approach that respects states rights and addresses FDA concerns.

Personal stories and expert opinions further underscored the discussion. Paige Figi of the Coalition for Access Now and Nicole Hemmenway of the U.S. Pain Foundation spoke about CBD’s therapeutic potential and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks. Jennifer Baxter from the Balanced Veterans Network shared her experience with CBD, pointing out its significance in veteran health and wellness.

Dr. Rayetta Henderson from ToxStrategies LLC provided a scientific perspective, presenting the outcomes of a study on the safe use of CBD. Her insights into acceptable daily intake values and risk assessments underscored the need for informed, evidence-based regulatory standards.

Farm Bill Extension: Opportunities And Challenges

In the backdrop of these discussions, the recent extension of the Farm Bill into 2024 presents a mixed scenario for the hemp industry. The Green Market Report noted that, while this extension may benefit the industry by allowing more time for regulators to establish clearer rules for hemp-derived products, it comes at a time of declining farm-level value for hemp and challenges due to insufficient high-quality data.

Pivotal Moment For The Future Of Hemp

The call for a cohesive regulatory approach is more crucial than ever, marking a pivotal moment for the future of hemp-derived CBD products in the U.S. and, more importantly, for the thousands of people whose life quality depends on safety when accessing them.